Methodologies for developing knowledge management systems: an evaluation framework

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to provide a criteria-based evaluation framework for assessing knowledge management system (KMS) development methodologies. Design/methodology/approach – The evaluation criteria have been elicited based on the features expected from a successful KMS. Furthermore, a number of prominent KMS development methodologies have been scrutinized based on the proposed evaluation framework. Findings – It was demonstrated that the proposed evaluation framework is detailed and comprehensive enough to reveal the strengths and weaknesses of KMS development methodologies. It was also revealed that even though the evaluated methodologies possess certain strong features, they suffer from several shortcomings that need to be addressed. Research limitations/implications – The evaluation framework has not been applied to all existing KMS development methodologies; however, the evaluation does cover the most comprehensive methodologies which exist in the research context. Practical implications – The results of this research can be used for the following purposes: organizational goal-based selection of KMS development methodologies, evolution of existing KMS development methodologies and engineering of tailored-to-fit KMS development methodologies. Originality/value – The proposed evaluation framework provides a comprehensive and detailed set of criteria for assessing general, area-specific and context-specific features of KMS development methodologies. KMS developers can select the methodology which best fits their requirements based on the evaluation results. Furthermore, method engineers can extend existing methodologies or engineer new ones so as to satisfy the specific requirements of the project at hand.